Odor removal device

ABSTRACT

An odor removal device for quick and efficient removal of odorous gas from a toilet, without causing the gas to be breathed in by the user of the toilet and without releasing any undesired heat onto the user of the toilet. As the odorous gas is being removed from the toilet by an evacuation assembly, it is transferred to an exhaust fan assembly where it is heated and forced upwards to a ceiling fan. The odorous gas is maintained at an elevated position away from the user of the toilet.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This continuation-in-part patent application claims priority to and thebenefit of the filing date of U.S. nonprovisional patent applicationhaving application Ser. No. 16/357,589, filed on Mar. 19, 2019, and U.S.provisional patent application having Application No. 62/646,041, filedon Mar. 21, 2018, which are both incorporated herein in theirentireties.

FIELD

This patent application generally relates to a device for the removal ofodor. Specifically, the patent application relates to the removal ofunpleasant odor from bathrooms.

BACKGROUND

Removal or diminution of objectionable odors is often desired by usersof a toilet since users find such odors particularly concerning. Variousdevices have been used for removing objectionable bathroom odors, suchas ventilation systems (i.e. ceiling fans) and air fresheners.Ventilation systems draw air from the room to exhaust the odors, but theodor particles are often dispersed throughout the room before they canbe removed. As a result, these systems cannot remove most of theodor-causing agents from the air and the odorous air is likely to bebreathed in by the occupants of the bathroom.

Air fresheners attempt to address odors by spraying chemical into theair or by emitting fragrance from an air freshener placed in the room.However, standard air fresheners only mask unpleasant odors with a morepleasant smelling substance. Since air fresheners do not eliminate theodor at the source, the odor often permeates the room and lingers. Thereare also different types of deodorizing toilets, such as those that usea carbon filter and those that have a deodorizing toilet seat pad. Oftentimes, these types of deodorizing toilets require bulky attachmentcomponents outside the toilet. They also often do not provide aneffective means of eliminating foul odors in the bathroom. Some of thesedeodorizing toilets have lithium ion batteries that can cause fire andneed to be regularly replaced.

Consequently, there is a need for a device that efficiently, safely, andcomprehensively removes odorous air from the toilet bowl without causingit to be breathed in by bathroom users or without releasing anyundesired heat onto occupants of the toilet.

SUMMARY

What is provided is a device for efficiently and removing odorous airfrom the toilet bowl without releasing any undesired heat onto theoccupants of the toilet. In an embodiment, the odor-removal devicecomprises an evacuation assembly having an upper component attached to alower component, wherein the lower component is attached to the backside of a toilet bowl of a toilet and a portion of the upper componentextends over a portion of the toilet bowl such that the evacuationassembly is configured to draw gas from the toilet bowl, and wherein theupper component has a pair of opposing ends configured to receive andretain a cap. The cap is configured to control the intake of gas intothe evacuation assembly from the toilet bowl.

The device also comprises an exhaust fan assembly located remotely fromthe evacuation assembly, wherein the exhaust assembly is configured todraw up gas from the toilet bowl, to heat the gas, and to force the gasupwards and away from the toilet. The exhaust fan assembly comprises aswitch configured to activate and deactivate the exhaust fan assembly;one or more fan blades configured to rotate when the exhaust fanassembly is activated; an electric motor configured to drive therotation of the one or more fan blades; and a heating element configuredto heat the gas in the exhaust fan assembly. The device furthercomprises a first tube selectively connected to an opening in the cap ofthe evacuation assembly at one end and to the exhaust fan assembly atanother end, wherein the first tube is configured to transfer gas fromthe evacuation assembly to the exhaust fan assembly.

In some embodiments, the exhaust fan assembly is vertically mounted to awall and is electrically-powered. In another embodiment, the exhaust fanassembly is coupled to a ceiling fan such that the exhaust fan assemblyis activated when the ceiling fan is activated.

In some embodiments, a second tube is selectively connected to theexhaust fan assembly on one end so that gas is transferred upwards fromthe exhaust fan assembly after the gas has been heated. The first tubeand the second tube may each be a pipe, a hose, or a conduit and thesecond tube is a pipe, a hose, or a conduit.

In some embodiments, the heating element includes carbon diodes and anelectric heating coil. In other embodiments, the heating elementincludes a copper circuit board element.

In an embodiment, a system for removing odor includes an odor-removaldevice having an evacuation assembly operably configured to draw gasfrom a toilet bowl on a toilet. The evacuation assembly includes anupper component extending at least partially over an opening defined bythe toilet bowl; and a lower component attached to the upper component,wherein the lower component is attached to the back side of the toiletbowl. The system also includes an exhaust fan assembly disposed remotelyfrom the evacuation assembly, wherein the exhaust assembly is configuredto remove gas in a one-way directional flow upward and away from thetoilet. The exhaust fan assembly includes a switch configured toactivate and deactivate the exhaust fan assembly; one or more fan bladesconfigured to rotate when the exhaust fan assembly is activated; anelectric motor configured to drive the rotation of the one or more fanblades; and a heating element configured to heat the gas in the exhaustfan assembly. The system further includes a ceiling fan; a first tubeselectively connected to the evacuation assembly at one end and to theexhaust fan assembly at another end, wherein the first tube isconfigured to transfer gas from the evacuation assembly to the exhaustfan assembly; and a second tube selectively connected to the exhaust fanassembly, wherein the second tube is configured to transfer gas upwardfrom the exhaust fan assembly after the gas has been heated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in theconcluding portion of the specification. Claimed subject matter,however, as to structure, organization and method of operation, togetherwith objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understoodby reference to the following detailed description if read with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary odor removaldevice;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary system comprisingthe odor removal device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is another schematic perspective of the system of FIG. 2,illustrating an evacuation assembly on a toilet bowl;

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the evacuation assembly ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic top, plan view of the evacuation assembly of FIGS.3 and 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic back elevation view of the evacuation assembly ofFIGS. 3-5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the lower component of theevacuation assembly of FIGS. 3-6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the upper component of theevacuation assembly of FIGS. 3-6;

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary cap of theevacuation assembly of FIGS. 3-6;

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the exterior of an exemplaryexhaust fan assembly;

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the interior of the exhaustfan assembly of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a schematic top view of the exhaust fan assembly of FIGS. 10and 11;

FIG. 13 is another schematic perspective view of the cap of FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of another exemplary systemcomprising the odor removal device illustrated in FIGS. 1-13;

FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of yet another exemplary systemcomprising the odor removal device illustrated in FIGS. 1-14;

FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of a ceiling fan of the systemillustrated in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is another schematic perspective view of the ceiling fanillustrated in FIG. 16; and

FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of an electrical adapter of thesystem illustrated in FIGS. 15-18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the examples asdefined in the claimed subject matter, and as an example of how to makeand use the examples described herein. However, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that claimed subject matter is not intended tobe limited to such specific details, and may even be practiced withoutrequiring such specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,procedures, and ingredients have not been described in detail so as notto obscure the invention defined by the claimed subject matter.

Throughout this specification, the term “system” may, depending at leastin part upon the particular context, be understood to include anymethod, process, apparatus, and/or other patentable subject matter thatimplements the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIGS. 1-3 are schematic perspective views of an exemplary odor removaldevice 100 as a part of an exemplary system 10 disclosed herein. As anon-limiting example, the device 100 comprises an evacuation assembly110 and a first tube 170, wherein the first tube 170 is connected at oneend to the evacuation assembly 110 and at the other end to an exhaustfan assembly 180. The first tube 170 may be made of an elastomericmaterial. In some embodiments, the first tube 170 is a hose, a pipe, aconduit, or the like designed to carry gas/air from one location toanother within the device 100.

Upon insertion of the first tube 170 into the evacuation assembly 110,gas/air may be transferred from a standard gravity fed toilet 130 to theexhaust fan assembly 180, which may be located remotely from the toilet130. FIG. 2 shows the path of air flow from the toilet 130 to theevacuation assembly 110, through the first tube 170, and into theexhaust fan assembly 180. The air/gas is then heated by the exhaust fanassembly 180 and then propelled towards a ceiling fan 190 in a bathroomfor removal from the bathroom, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 2.

The evacuation assembly 110 may be attached to a rear side 140 of atoilet bowl 105 in the toilet 130, as shown in FIG. 2. In a non-limitingexample, the evacuation assembly 110 may be securely attached to therear side 140 of the toilet bowl 105 through the use of mechanicalfasteners, such as screws, so that the evacuation assembly 110 issubstantially flat. The evacuation assembly 110 may be positioned on thetoilet 130 such that a portion of the evacuation assembly 110 extendsover a portion of the toilet bowl 105, but not so far as to limit theability of the toilet seat and cover to be readily opened and shut. Theevacuation assembly 110 may be made of plastic, metal, or any othermaterial suitable for use on the toilet 130.

As best shown in FIGS. 4-6, the evacuation assembly 110 includes anupper component 410 that may be integrally connected to at least aportion of a lower component 420. Once assembled, the evacuationassembly 110 may be of a size and shape to attach in a substantiallyflat orientation to the rear side 140 of the toilet bowl 105 and to atleast partially extend over a portion of the toilet bowl 105.

As best shown in FIG. 7 and as a non-limiting example, the lowercomponent 420 may have a first side segment 440 and a second sidesegment 445, wherein the first side segment 440 is a mirror-image of thesecond side segment 445. Each of the first side segment 440 and thesecond side segment 445 includes one or more apertures 455. The one ormore apertures 455 may be of a size and shape to receive and/or retainat least a portion of one or more mechanical fasteners used to attachthe evacuation assembly 110 to the rear side 140 of the toilet bowl 105.When installed on the toilet bowl 105, the first side segment 440 andthe second side segment 445 may curve around toilet bowl caps concealingthe toilet bowl bolts.

A third segment 430 on the lower component 420 is interposed between thefirst side segment 440 and the second side segment 445. The thirdsegment 430 is substantially flat and indented within the lowercomponent 420, such that the first side segment 440 and the second sidesegment 445 have a greater thickness than the thickness of the thirdsegment 430. In some embodiments, the third segment 430 may have athickness of about 3 inches, while each of the first side segment 440and the second side segment 445 may have a thickness of about 5.5inches. The third segment 430 is configured to provide an attachmentarea for the upper component 410 to securely and readily attach to thelower component 420. The upper component 410 may be selectively snappedinto the lower component 420 to allow for easy cleaning and maintenanceof both the upper component 410 and the lower component 420.

As best shown in FIG. 8, the upper component 410 comprises asubstantially flat and rectangular first portion 465 that is configuredto attach directly to the top of the third segment 430. As best seen inFIGS. 2 and 3, the first portion 465 may extend outward over a portionof the toilet bowl 105. The first portion 465 may be integrally attachedto a second portion 475.

The second portion 475 of the upper component 410 may have asubstantially vertical back wall 470 that is perpendicular to the firstportion 465. As best seen in FIG. 8 and as a non-limiting example, thesecond portion 475 may also include a pair of substantially circular,opposing ends 485. The opposing ends 485 may be of a size and shape toreceive and/or retain a cap 460.

The cap 460 may be selectively inserted into one of the pair of opposingends 485 of the second portion 475. As best shown in FIGS. 9 and 13 andas a non-limiting example, the cap 460 may have a substantiallycylindrical shape and may have a first end 490 and a second end 495. Thefirst end 490 has an opening that may be of a size and shape to receiveand/or retain the first tube 170. The second end 495 may be closed inorder to retain the first tube 170 in the cap 460 and to prevent any gasor fluid from inadvertently escaping. The cap 460 is operably configuredto control whether any air is drawn from the toilet 130 through theevacuation assembly 110. The first end 490 may be located on either theleft side or the right side of the toilet 130 based on the preference ofthe user and whether the user is right-handed or left-handed. As aresult, the second end 495 will be located on the opposite side of thetoilet 130 as the first end 490.

In operation of the system 10, the exhaust fan assembly 180 isconfigured to help draw the air from the toilet 130, to heat the air,and to force/blow the air out of the bathroom and away from the user. Assuch, odorous air from the toilet 130 can be forced away from anyoccupants of the bathroom. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and as anon-limiting example, the exhaust fan assembly 180 may bemounted/secured to a wall in the bathroom and may beelectrically-operated by being plugged into an outlet in the bathroom orthe bathroom ceiling fan 190. In this example, the exhaust fan assembly180 may be mounted/secured to a bathroom wall in any manner such thatthe exhaust fan assembly 180 is stable and secure during operation.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and as a non-limiting example, a secondtube 196 may be selectively attached to the upper portion of the exhaustfan assembly 180 to further promote the flow of air upwards and out ofthe bathroom. In some embodiments, the second tube 196 is a hose, apipe, a conduit, or the like designed to carry gas/air from one locationto another within the device 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14,the second tube 196 is coupled directly to a bathroom ceiling fan 190 bybeing run through the inside of the exhaust fan assembly 180. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second tube 196 may be in closeproximity with the bathroom ceiling fan 190 to effectively force the airout of the bathroom. Thus, an external power source is optional.

In some embodiments, the exhaust fan assembly 180 is mounted in avertical orientation facing upwards toward a bathroom ceiling fan 190 inorder to help guide the flow of air, particularly odorous air from thetoilet, out through the bathroom ceiling fan 190. Bathroom ceiling fanshave mounting ports/holes through which the odorous air from the toiletcan be specifically guided for removal from the bathroom. In theseembodiments, the exhaust fan assembly 180 is in direct communicationwith the bathroom ceiling fan 190 such that turning on the bathroomceiling fan 190 initiates activation of the exhaust fan assembly 180. Inother embodiments, odor from the toilet may exit the bathroom through anoutside wall or through an interior wall having an attic space.

Referring to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of theexterior of the exhaust fan assembly 180 having an on-off switch 160.Even though the exhaust fan assembly 180 may be activated in response toactivation of the bathroom ceiling fan 190, an occupant of the bathroommay manually turn the exhaust fan assembly 180 either on or off usingthe on-off switch 160 depending on the desired circumstances. As bestshown in FIG. 10 and as a non-limiting example, the on-off switch 160may be securely attached to the exhaust fan assembly 180 through the useof screws and mounting brackets. Air intake into the exhaust fanassembly 180 occurs through the bottom of the exhaust fan assembly 180due to air flow through the tube 170. After being heated, the air ispushed through the top of the exhaust fan assembly 180. The air thencontinues upward toward the bathroom ceiling fan 190.

In some embodiments, the exhaust fan assembly 180 is configured toreceive a schedule 40 1.5 inch pipe. In this embodiment, the diameter ofthe exhaust fan assembly 180 on the exhaust side is about 1.5 inches andthe diameter of the exhaust fan assembly 180 on the intake side is about1.75 inches. This embodiment of the exhaust fan assembly 180 allows forthe accommodation of readily available materials, such as a schedule 40pipe.

Referring to FIG. 11, FIG. 11 shows a schematic perspective view of theinterior of the exhaust fan assembly 180. The exhaust fan assembly 180includes an outer casing 155 made of plastic that is coupled to theon-off switch 160. The exhaust fan assembly 180 may further include oneor more fan blades 150 and a heating element 165. Incoming airflow ispulled into the exhaust fan assembly 180 through the tube 170 due to thevacuum effect created by the rotation of the one or more fan blades 150.An electric motor within the outer casing 155 may be responsible fordriving the one or more blades 150.

In some embodiments, the exhaust fan assembly 180 may be set to a lowsetting and may not adjust itself to the air intake received from theevacuation assembly 110. In some embodiments, the heating element 165has one speed and one level of heat. In some embodiments, the heatingelement 165 may comprise carbon diodes and an electric heating coil. Inother embodiments, the heating element 165 may comprise a copper circuitboard element. In yet other embodiments, the heating element 165 maycomprise commercially available stainless steel.

The heating element 165 may be configured to heat the air in the exhaustfan assembly 180 in order to expedite the rising of the air and tomaintain the elevated air in order to force it through the bathroomceiling fan 190. In order to make the air rise and keep it elevated, thedifference between the temperature of the air in the toilet bowl 105 andthe air in the bathroom ceiling fan 190 may be between about 25 and 30degrees Fahrenheit. The actual temperature of the air leaving theexhaust fan assembly 180 and traveling to the bathroom ceiling fan 190may be between about 125 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature ofthe heated air may depend on the type of bathroom ceiling fan 190, theceiling tower, and the riser vent. In some embodiments, the heated airmay need to rise at least about 6 feet above the toilet 130.

Referring to FIG. 12, FIG. 12 shows a schematic top view of the exhaustfan assembly 180 of FIG. 10. The outer casing 155 may include a linermade of fiber material that is heat/fire retardant to ensure that theplastic doesn't overheat. If the plastic begins to overheat in theexhaust fan assembly 180, a thermocouple (not shown) can shut off powerentirely to the exhaust fan assembly 180. Alternatively, the exhaust fanassembly 180 may be turned off by turning the on-off switch 160 to the“off” setting.

The application of the odor removal device 100 disclosed herein tostandard toilets allows for the quick and efficient removal of odorousair from the toilet bowl 105 without causing it to be breathed in bybathroom users. In addition, the separation of the exhaust fan assembly180 from the toilet 130 ensures that bathroom users will not be exposedto any undesired heat. As the odorous air is being removed from thetoilet and pass to the exhaust fan assembly 180, it is heated toexpedite its rise towards the bathroom ceiling fan 190 and maintenanceat an elevated position.

FIGS. 15-18 are views of another exemplary system 200 comprising theodor removal device 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-14. In this embodiment, acord with a plug 210 extends vertically from the exhaust fan assembly180 through the second tube 196. In this embodiment, the second tube 196is not directly coupled to a ceiling fan 220, but is positioned in closeproximity with the ceiling fan 220 such that the cord with the plug 210may extend into the ceiling fan 220. The ceiling fan 220 providesventilation by drawing odors out of the room. The ceiling fan 220 mayalso include a light.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show views of the ceiling fan 220, wherein the ceilingfan 220 does not include its outer casing. FIG. 16 shows the cord withthe plug 210 from the exhaust fan assembly 180 extending through thesecond tube 196, but not electrically coupled to the ceiling fan 220.

As best seen in FIGS. 17 and 18, the ceiling fan 220 includes anelectrical adapter/splitter 230 electrically coupled to an outlet on theceiling fan 220. The plug adapter/splitter 230 includes a plurality ofoutlets to allow for a plug 240 from the ceiling fan 220 and the plug210 from the exhaust fan assembly 180 to each plug into outlets on theadapter/splitter 230. As a result, the exhaust fan assembly 180 iselectrically coupled to the ceiling fan 220. One of the plugged-inoutlets on the adapter/splitter 230 may control the ventilation/fan onthe ceiling fan 220 and the other plugged-in outlet on theadapter/splitter 230 may control the light on the ceiling fan 220.

In an embodiment, activation of the exhaust fan assembly 180 in thesystem 200 shown in FIGS. 15-18 simultaneously activates thefan/ventilation on the ceiling fan 220 and/or the light on the ceilingfan 220. This allows for improved and quicker removal of malodorous airupward and away from the toilet 130 and toilet bowl 105 and out throughthe ceiling fan 220. In an alternative embodiment, activation of theexhaust fan assembly 180 in the system 200 does not simultaneouslyactivate the ceiling fan 220.

It will, of course, be understood that, although particular exampleshave just been described, the claimed subject matter is not limited inscope to a particular example or limitation. Likewise, an example may beimplemented in any combination of compositions of matter, apparatuses,methods or products made by a process, for example.

In the preceding description, various aspects of claimed subject matterhave been described. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers,percentages, components, ingredients and/or configurations were setforth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter.However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art having thebenefit of this disclosure that claimed subject matter may be practicedwithout the specific details. In other instances, features that would beunderstood by one of ordinary skill were omitted or simplified so as notto obscure claimed subject matter. While certain features and exampleshave been illustrated or described herein, many modifications,substitutions, changes or equivalents will now occur to those skilled inthe art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims areintended to cover all such modifications or changes as fall within thetrue spirit of claimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for removing odor, the systemcomprising: an odor-removal device comprising: an evacuation assemblyoperably configured to draw gas from a toilet bowl on a toilet, whereinthe evacuation assembly comprises: an upper component extending at leastpartially over an opening defined by the toilet bowl; and a lowercomponent attached to the upper component, wherein the lower componentis attached to the back side of the toilet bowl; an exhaust fan assemblydisposed remotely from the evacuation assembly, wherein the exhaustassembly is configured to remove gas in a one-way directional flowupward and away from the toilet, the exhaust fan assembly comprises: aswitch configured to activate and deactivate the exhaust fan assembly;one or more fan blades configured to rotate when the exhaust fanassembly is activated; an electric motor configured to drive therotation of the one or more fan blades; and a heating element configuredto heat the gas in the exhaust fan assembly; a ceiling fan; a first tubeselectively connected to the evacuation assembly at one end and to theexhaust fan assembly at another end, wherein the first tube isconfigured to transfer gas from the evacuation assembly to the exhaustfan assembly; and a second tube selectively connected to the exhaust fanassembly, wherein the second tube is configured to transfer gas upwardfrom the exhaust fan assembly after the gas has been heated.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the exhaust fan assembly is electricallycoupled to the ceiling fan.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein a cord andplug from the exhaust fan assembly extends through the second tube andplugs into an outlet on the ceiling fan.
 4. The system of claim 3,wherein the outlet is on an electrical adapter on the ceiling fan. 5.The system of claim 1, wherein one end of the second tube is directlyconnected to the ceiling fan.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein theceiling fan is activated in response to activation of the exhaust fanassembly.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the lower component of theevacuation assembly comprises one or more apertures.
 8. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the upper component of the evacuation assembly includesa pair of opposing ends configured to receive and retain a cap, whereinthe cap is configured to control the intake of gas into the evacuationassembly from the toilet bowl.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein theheating element includes an electric heating coil.